Wieland And Memoirs Of Carwin The Biloquist (Penguin Classics)

Charles Brockden Brown eloquently voices the fears and dangers faced by the early American republic in this brilliant pair of stories. In Wieland, a small, pre-revolutionary village in Pennsylvania is set upon by a mysterious stranger known as Carwin, whose brilliant oratory and unmistakable charisma stir up doubt and dissension among the villagers. The terrifying and allegorical conclusion will burn itself into your memory. Memoirs of Carwin the Biloquist is a prequel of sorts that chronicles Carwin’s early history as the servant of a utopian schemer named Ludloe. Human fallibility and the abuse of authority are central themes in this engaging volume.